Hancock Field Outstanding Airmen Recognized

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Duane Morgan
  • 174th Fighter Wing
Five Airmen from Hancock Field Air National Guard Base were recently recognized for their outstanding achievements on and off base by being nominated for the Airman of The Year Award.

"This is a great accomplishment, a great group of people and it's nice to be able to recognize them" said 174th Fighter Wing Command Chief, Chief Master Sergeant Russell Youngs. The five Airmen have won the award at the wing level and will go on to compete at the state level against other Airmen from other wings. Depending on the outcome of the state competition, the Airmen would then go on to compete at the national level.

"We're extraordinarily proud of these fine Airmen," said 174th Fighter Wing Commander, Col. Kevin W. Bradley.

Senior Airman Cherice M. Baldwin is one of the nominees who is on the Base Honor Guard Team at Hancock Field. She's studying to get her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and currently holds a 3.89 GPA. With the Base Honor Guard Team, she has participated in 205 funeral honors and community events. She has also assisted with the Salvation Army pick day, where she collected and distributed food and toys to numerous less fortunate families during the holiday season.

Senior Airman Leanne M. Stevens is with the 174th Fighter Wing Comptroller Flight. She is a Disaster Relief Volunteer for the American Red Cross of Herkimer County. She has also volunteered with local police programs, the Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity. During combat operations, she provided support to 110 aircrew mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She was a volunteer for state active duty, deploying to Long Island, NY in response to hurricane Irene.

Staff Sgt. Edward Scalise is an Intelligence Analyst with the 152nd AOG (Air Operations Group) here on Hancock Field. He is a member of the Junior Enlisted Summit, Welfare and Recreation Team, the Air Force Sergeants Association and the Hancock Field All Services Club. He has a state as well as national certification in physical therapy. He participates in the Frankfort-Schuyler School District annual Veterans Day commemoration by giving presentations on veteran issues. He also leads the children in a letter-writing project for deployed troops.

Master Sgt. Richard Macumber is with the 174th Operations Support Flight at Hancock Field.  He has been deployed in support of Operation New Dawn and has supported over 14,000 missions, transported over 83,000 passengers and directed over 54,000 tons of cargo. He served a two-year term as the American Legion Post 236 Commander. He is also a youth mentor and a fund raising committee member, where he helps raise money for local Pop Warner and Pee Wee wrestling.

Master Sgt. Daniel W. Lasky also is with the 152nd AOG here at Hancock Field. He is currently pursuing a degree in avionics systems technology. He has volunteered for base retreat ceremonies as well as marched in Syracuse's Memorial Day and Veteran's Day parades. He is the Assistant Event Coordinator for fundraisers for the Bleeding Disorders Association as serves as a New York State Trooper.